DUHOK, Iraq

Syrian refugees living in Domiz Refugee Camp in northern Iraq’s Duhok city expressed their joy over the fall of Syria’s 61-year Baath regime but said they cannot return home due to insecurity and instability in regions occupied by the PKK/YPG terrorist group.

Many refugees, who have endured difficult camp conditions for years, said their dream of returning to Syria can only become reality once security is restored in areas under the group’s control.



'I want to return if unity is established'

Muhammed Salih Darweesh, 35, who fled Syria’s Qamishli region 13 years ago, shared his story with Anadolu.

"I served two-and-a-half years of mandatory military service under the Assad regime and fled when I had the chance," Darweesh said. "Türkiye helped us by contributing to the regime's downfall, and for that, we are grateful."

Darweesh expressed hope for dialogue between Syria’s ethnic and religious groups, emphasizing the need for the Kurds to form alliances with Damascus to ensure a safe and peaceful return.

Muhammed Hussein Yahya, 65, echoed those sentiments, saying Kurds seek neither war nor conflict. "If unity is achieved in Syria after Assad’s fall, I want to return."

He added: "However, I will only go back if issues are resolved. Although I have no home there, I will rent another house and settle. Life will be better. I am a teacher, and I will find work in some way."



Unable to return to PKK/YPG-occupied regions

Hedayeh Ramadan Shahin, 72, said she fled to Iraq during the Syrian war, leaving behind her belongings and family members in Syria.

"We cannot return to Syria now," she said, highlighting the insecurity in PKK/YPG-controlled areas.

"Without assurance of security there, we are afraid. In those areas, no one dares leave their homes; people live in fear," she added.

Amina Omer, 70, also spoke of her longing to return to her homeland.

"Damascus is sweet, but home is sweeter. If our region (under PKK/YPG occupation) improves and peace comes, I will return to my homeland. If we leave now, we cannot sustain our families. The world has changed. People from there are still coming here," she said.

Ahmad Muhammed, 13, who was born in the Duhok camp, expressed his desire to return to Syria.

"That (Syria) is the homeland of our parents. I want to return there. Assad's departure made us very happy. I hope (the situation in) Syria improves, our people are freed from prisons, and we can return in peace," Muhammed said.



*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul